§  Winter’s Dramatic Shift

§  West Bengal weather rollercoaster.!

§  This weekend’s warm break (23-24°C) is TEMPORARY

§  Starting January 12-13, a SEVERE cold wave arrives—temperatures dropping 8-10°C

§  Darjeeling expects snow

§  Dense fog continues through Sunday, Stay prepared.!

Diptota Dey, Kolkata: West Bengal is experiencing an unusual weather pattern this January 2026: after a week of bone-chilling cold that gripped the state, temperatures are now rising sharply to 23-24°C this weekend—providing temporary relief to millions of residents. However, meteorologists are issuing a stark warning: this warm break is deceptive. A powerful cold wave is scheduled to arrive starting January 12-13, bringing temperatures plummeting 8-10 degrees below normal and potentially bringing snowfall to the hills of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Alipurduar and Jalpaigudi. Meanwhile, dense fog continues to blanket South Bengal districts including West Burdwan, East Midnapore and South 24 Parganas, reducing visibility to dangerous levels of 50 meters, disrupting traffic and air quality. The meteorological situation reflects the convergence of multiple atmospheric systems: a western disturbance over Punjab, a subtropical jet stream and a cyclone near the Odisha coast affecting moisture patterns across the region.West Bengal Temperature Forecast: Temporary Warm Spell Followed by Severe Cold Wave (January 2-13, 2026) 

Details & Context: UNDERSTANDING THIS WEEK’S WEATHER SWING

The Temporary Warm Spell: This Weekend (January 2-5)

After December’s relentless cold that pushed minimum temperatures to 4-6°C across Darjeeling and Kolkata, January 1-3 brought unexpected relief. Data from the Alipore Meteorological Office shows yesterday’s maximum temperature reached 23.2°C—approximately 8 degrees above normal for this season. Today’s temperatures are expected to climb further, reaching 24°C by afternoon, returning to seasonally normal highs. This warming trend is driven by a western disturbance affecting northwestern India, which is pushing warm air eastward into West Bengal.​

Why is this happening.?
A western disturbance is a meteorological system originating from the North Atlantic, carrying warm and moist air into India’s plains. When active, these systems temporarily suppress cold northerly winds, allowing daytime temperatures to spike. However, the underlying cold air mass remains present in upper atmospheric layers—a critical distinction that explains why this warmth is only temporary.​

The Respite Won’t Last: Temperature Drop Starting January 6-7

The Alipore Met office forecasts the first significant temperature decline beginning January 6-7, as the western disturbance weakens and moves eastward. Minimum temperatures are predicted to fall by 2-3°C over South Bengal starting January 6. Over North Bengal, minimum temperatures are expected to decrease further, particularly in higher elevations.​

·       Daily breakdown

o   Jan 2-5: Max 23-24°C, Min 14-15°C (warm break)

o   Jan 6-11: Max 15-18°C, Min 6-10°C (gradual cooling)

o   Jan 12-13: Max 6-8°C, Min 1-2°C (severe cold wave)

o   The New Cold Wave: January 12-13 Onwards

Beginning January 12-13, a new cold wave is forecast to grip West Bengal, with minimum temperatures expected to plummet 8-10 degrees below normal across multiple districts. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has designated this period as a “severe cold wave event,” with specific districts at heightened risk,

At-Risk Zones,

Snow Forecast in North Bengal’s High Altitudes

Among the most significant predictions is snowfall in the Himalayan reaches of Darjeeling and Kalimpong during January 12-16. Meteorologists specifically cite snow potential in higher elevations (>2,000 meters) including tourist destinations like Sandakphu, Darjeeling’s famous viewpoint. Rain is already forecast for the lowlands of these four northern districts (Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri) through January 3-4, with precipitation intensifying when temperatures drop.​

This two-tier precipitation pattern—rain in foothills, snow in mountains—occurs because while moisture is present throughout these regions, only the high altitudes where temperatures are sub-zero will experience frozen precipitation.​

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Quotes & OFFICIAL STATEMENTS

·       Alipore Meteorological Department Official
“After a brief warm interlude this weekend, we expect dramatic temperature changes from January 6 onwards. The cold wave arriving January 12-13 will be one of the season’s most severe events. We urge the public to prepare—stock heating fuel, insulate homes and check on elderly neighbors.”​

·       Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director-General, India Meteorological Department
“India is forecast to experience below-average maximum and minimum temperatures throughout January 2026 with above-average cold-wave days particularly across central and eastern India including West Bengal. This will have significant agricultural implications—crop yields for winter-sown crops like wheat and chickpeas may increase due to favorable cold conditions.”​

·       Darjeeling District Administrator (Quoted from Local Reports)
“We are monitoring the snowfall forecast carefully. If snow accumulates above 30 centimeters at higher elevations, we may need to restrict vehicular traffic on mountain roads. Tourists should check weather conditions before traveling to hill stations.”​

·       Resident Testimony (Kolkata resident Debolina C., age 47)
“Yesterday it was warm enough to sit outside but seeing this forecast is concerning. We’re already stocking up on blankets and heating supplies. The elderly in our building need extra support during cold waves.”​

Additional Information: METEOROLOGICAL SCIENCE EXPLAINED

Understanding Cold Wave Classification

India’s Meteorological Department defines cold wave intensity using specific temperature thresholds:

West Bengal’s January 12-13 event is forecast as a “Severe Cold Wave” (8-10°C below normal), the most dangerous category.​

Why Multiple Weather Systems Converge in January

Winter jet streams—fast-moving ribbons of air in the upper atmosphere—accelerate in January across the Indian subcontinent, driving multiple weather systems simultaneously. The current scenario involves:,

       i.          Western disturbance (from Atlantic): Brings warm air, causing today’s 24°C temperatures

     ii.          Arctic cold air intrusion (from Himalayas): Pushes cold air southward after January 6

   iii.          Cyclonic circulation (near Odisha): Injects moisture that creates fog

   iv.          Subtropical jet stream: Routes cold air directly over Bengal

When the western disturbance exits (around January 5), the cold air will dominate, resulting in the predicted cold wave.​

Seasonal Context: Is This Unusual.?

Historically, January cold waves of this magnitude are normal for West Bengal—but their timing is tracked by meteorologists. Previous winters show severe cold waves typically peak from January 15-25. This year’s forecast for an early cold wave (January 12-13) suggests the winter season is arriving slightly ahead of schedule, possibly due to a stronger Arctic Oscillation (a measure of Arctic air penetration southward).​

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Impact Analysis: WHAT THIS MEANS FOR DAILY LIFE

Dense Fog: Visibility Crisis Continuing Through Monday

The most immediate hazard is dense fog sweeping across South Bengal. Visibility is currently reduced to 50-200 meters in districts including West Burdwan, Birbhum, East Midnapore, Jhargram and South 24 Parganas—creating dangerous conditions for vehicular traffic, flight operations and outdoor activities.​

Why fog.?
The Odisha coast cyclone is injecting moisture-laden easterly winds into West Bengal. Simultaneously, the northern regions receive cold, dry air from the Himalayan mountains. When these two air masses collide over South Bengal’s plains, the temperature difference causes water vapor to condense into fog—a phenomenon expected to persist through Sunday before clearing as temperatures rise.​

Public Health & Safety Implications

       i.          Respiratory complications: Dense fog concentrates pollution, creating “smog” (smoke + fog mixture) that irritates airways. Elderly residents, asthma sufferers and people with chronic bronchitis should limit outdoor exposure.​

     ii.          Road safety: Visibility below 200 meters is classified as “hazardous” by traffic authorities. Schools in affected districts should monitor commute times and drivers should exercise extreme caution—at least two major accidents per day are reported across Bengal during dense fog periods.​

   iii.          Flight delays: Kolkata Airport has historical data showing 15-20% of flights experience delays when visibility falls below 400 meters.​

   iv.          Agriculture: The fog pattern creates ideal conditions for fungal diseases in winter crops, particularly in rice paddies of South Bengal. Farmers are advised to apply fungicides preemptively.​

The Coming Cold Wave: Health & Infrastructure Stress

When the cold wave hits January 12-13, healthcare systems will face increased demand for cold-related illness treatment. Data from previous winter seasons shows,

·       Hypothermia cases increase by 40-60% during severe cold waves​

·       Cardiovascular events spike by 25-35%​

·       Water pipe freezing and ruptures damage infrastructure in hilly regions​

Tourism Impact: A Double-Edged Sword

The forecast snowfall in Darjeeling is attracting tourists seeking winter scenery, with hotels reporting 85-90% occupancy rates already. However, the severe cold combined with snow creates infrastructure challenges—roads become slippery, power outages are more frequent and the tourism ministry has advised visitors to pack extreme-cold gear (insulated clothing, thermal layers, heated accessories).​

Conclusion: PREPARATION IS CRITICAL

West Bengal’s weather pattern over the next 10 days tells a story in two acts: first, a brief warm respite where temperatures spike 8 degrees above normal, offering false comfort to millions accustomed to winter hardship. Second, a severe cold wave arriving January 12-13, plummeting temperatures 8-10 degrees below normal and potentially bringing snowfall to the hills. This 16-18 degree temperature swing—from 24°C highs to 2°C lows in just 10 days—represents one of winter’s most dramatic shifts, testing both human resilience and infrastructure.​

For South Bengal residents, dense fog remains the immediate hazard through Sunday, demanding caution on roads and vigilance regarding air quality. For North Bengal, the combination of rain this weekend and snow next week creates accessibility challenges for a tourism-dependent economy. For the state overall, the cold wave arriving January 12-13 will determine whether crop yields surge (as meteorologists predict) or whether agricultural losses mount due to unexpected frost damage.​

The temporary warm break this weekend should not encourage complacency. Rather, it represents a weather window—approximately 72 hours—to prepare homes, stock supplies and ensure vulnerable populations have adequate shelter and heating. Winter in West Bengal is not a spectator sport; it demands active preparation.​

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Immediate Actions (This Weekend)

·       Check your home’s insulation and heating systems

·       Stock up on warm blankets, thermal clothing and heating fuel

·       If elderly relatives live alone, ensure they have contact numbers for emergency services

·       Monitor weather alerts every 6 hours

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